Orchestra Classes

Orchestra instruction is available on four levels:

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Chamber/Symphony Orchestra

At each level, different music types and styles are explored while skills and technique are being sharpened. We offer opportunities for students to perform, as well as leadership opportunities for older students. Unlike public school orchestral students, who have the opportunity to practice together daily or several times per week, our students are highly motivated and spend a great deal of time at home practicing, as well as performing for various concerts, home school events, in the community, and at the Georgia state capitol.

BEGINNER ORCHESTRA

Instructor: Andrea Mattick 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Beginner Orchestra is for students with little or no musical training on their instrument, or those trained in Suzuki, but not yet reading music fluently. To participate in Beginner Orchestra, students must be at least 6 years old and attend an Instrument Fitting. The Instrument Fitting is a time for your child to see the different instruments under the direction of trained personnel. With the information gathered at this time, we are better able to determine what instrument your child would enjoy playing, based on his aptitude, ability, and desire. Instrument Fittings will be conducted at Sandy Plains Baptist Church. See our Calendar page for details. Every effort is made to ensure your child’s success. If you already have an instrument, please bring it to the fitting.Required Materials: Instrument, music stand, pencil, Sound Innovations for String Orchestra–Book 1 (blue), published by Alfred, black notebook for music, metronome/tuner, concert dress. Suggested resource: SmartMusic subscription – www.smartmusic.com

INTERMEDIATE ORCHESTRA

Instructor: Andrea Mattick 1:00-2:00 p.m.

The Intermediate Orchestra is available for those students who have played at least one year on their instrument and demonstrate a basic playing proficiency. This class will work on skills necessary to play in an orchestra, while continuing to polish techniques such as intonation and posture. This class will seek to play intermediate levels of string orchestra repertoire. Auditions are required and are held in August for all students seeking to be enrolled in this class. Also, a commitment to attend Stringsational is required of all 2nd yr+ Intermediate Orchestra members.

ADVANCED ORCHESTRA

Instructors: Dick Shackelford 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Advanced Orchestra is available for those students who have played 3+ years and attained a moderate level of proficiency on their instrument. This class will seek to play medium high levels of string orchestra repertoire. Advanced students will be developing leadership skills by helping with sectional practices. Auditions are required and held in August for all students seeking to be enrolled in this class. Also, a commitment to attend Stringsational is required of all Advanced Orchestra members.Required Materials: Instrument, music stand, pencil, black notebook for music, concert dress, metronome/tuner, and Sound Development for String Orchestra, Book 3 (green). Suggested resource: SmartMusic subscription – www.smartmusic.com

2. Method Book Excerpt: #133 Theme from Serenade for Strings (from Sound Innovation: Sound Development for String Orchestra, Book 3)

3. Sight-reading- provided at audition

CHAMBER/SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Instructors: Dick Shackelford 11:00 – 12:00

Chamber/Symphony Orchestra is an ensemble developed to further the education and experience of our most advanced strings. First semester is available for string students only who have played 4+ years and attained a high level of proficiency on their instrument. This class will seek to play the highest three levels of string orchestra repertoire. Chamber students will be developing leadership skills by helping with sectional practices and younger string classes. Auditions are required and held in August for all students seeking to be enrolled in this class. Also, a commitment to attend Stringsational is required of all Chamber Orchestra members.

Second semester, wind, brass and percussion students, join the Chamber string students. Students in this class will be learning how to play in a full orchestra while rehearsing and performing some of the great masterpieces for symphony orchestra. This is more of a chamber-like experience for wind and brass students, with each student playing individual parts. Students who wish to participate in the Symphony Orchestra must have several years of playing experience. All string players in Symphony Orchestra must also participate in Chamber Orchestra. Wind, brass, and percussion students chosen for Symphony Orchestra must also participate in their assigned band.Required Materials: Instrument, music stand, pencil, black notebook for music, concert dress, metronome/tuner, and Sound Innovation: Sound Development for String Orchestra, Book 4 (purple). Suggested resource: SmartMusic subscription – www.smartmusic.com

Audition Requirements:

1. Scales- Major and minor, must be memorized, using standard fingerings/shifting from orchestra director, SI book 3 or private instructor

2. Method Book Excerpt: #102 Shifting on the A String (from Sound Innovation: Sound Development for String Orchestra, Book 4) AND #16 Intermezzo (from Sound Innovation: Sound Development for String Orchestra, Book 4)